How much is the tourist tax in Catania?

Those planning a visit to Catania, the Baroque city and UNESCO World Heritage Site, should factor in an additional cost for overnight stays: the Catania tourist tax. This municipal levy applies to every non-resident guest staying in hotels, B&Bs, holiday homes and other accommodation within the city. The charge is calculated per person, per night, and varies according to the category of accommodation, with a maximum of four consecutive nights subject to the tax.

The most recent update from the municipality, published on 8 May 2025, sets the following rates: €2.00 for budget accommodation and B&Bs, €2.50 for four-star hotels, €3.50 for five-star hotels, and €5.00 for luxury five-star superior properties. This tiered system ensures the contribution reflects the level of service provided and brings Catania in line with other Italian tourist destinations that apply similar charges.

How much is charged depending on the accommodation

The municipal regulation sets out a clear classification:

• €2.00 per night in 1- and 2-star hotels, tourist residences of the same category, 1-, 2- and 3-star B&Bs, holiday homes, farm stays, guest houses, tourist villages, apartments for tourist use and short-term rentals.
• €2.00 per night also applies to 3-star hotels and “alberghi diffusi” (scattered hotels).
• €2.50 per night in 4-star hotels.
• €3.50 per night in 5-star hotels.
• €5.00 per night in 5-star superior luxury properties.

The fee applies for a maximum of four consecutive nights, regardless of the overall length of stay. This means that anyone staying in the city for more than four nights will not pay beyond the first four.

Exemptions from the tourist tax in Catania

NoNot all visitors are required to pay the tax. The municipal regulations set out several exempt categories, including:

• minors under the age of 16,
• people with certified disabilities and their carers,
• drivers and tour guides accompanying organised groups,
• those staying for documented health reasons, including anyone assisting hospital patients.

To benefit from the exemption, the required documentation must be presented directly to the accommodation provider at check-in.

How and when to pay the tax

The tourist tax is not included in the accommodation price and is collected directly by the property at check-out. Accommodation providers are required to record overnight stays using the municipal Geis platform, which also enables them to generate the mandatory quarterly declaration. Payment to the municipality is made either by bank transfer or via the etnaPay online portal, which operates through the PagoPA system.

What the proceeds of the tourist tax are used for

The revenue from the tourist tax is allocated to initiatives that support tourism, including the upkeep of cultural and environmental heritage, improvements to urban services, and the promotion of events showcasing the city’s assets. These funds enable the municipality to enhance the visitor experience and strengthen Catania’s position as a leading destination within Italy and across Europe.

Article translated by Agnese Giardini

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Institutions and Businesses

Travel

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